“What do you think of him?” inquired Captain Neil.
But Barry made no reply.
“My company sergeant major got drunk,” continued Captain Neil. “I had no one to take the drill. I asked your father to take it. He nearly swept us off our feet. In consequence, there he stands, my company sergeant major, and let me tell you, he will be the regimental sergeant major before many weeks have passed, or I'm a German.”
“But his age,” inquired Barry, still in a maze of astonishment.
“Oh, that's all right. You don't want them too young. I assured the authorities that he was of proper military age, telling them, at the same time, that I must have him. He's a wonder, and the men just adore him.”
“I don't wonder at that,” said Barry.
Together they moved over to the squad. The sergeant, observing his officer, called his men smartly to attention, and greeted the captain with a very snappy salute.
“Sergeant major, let me introduce you to my friend, Mr. Barry Dunbar,” said Captain Neil with a grin.
“I say, dad,” said Barry, still unable to associate his father with this N. C. O. in uniform who stood before him. “I say, dad, where did you get all that military stuff?”
“I'm very rusty, my boy, very rusty! I hope to brush up, though. The men are improving, I think, sir.”